Yellowknife (Feb 14/03) - Everyone dies -- it's a fact of life that can't be ignored but is not often spoken about.

A conference held in Yellowknife last weekend, however, was designed for just that purpose -- talking about death.

Over 180 people attended the palliative care workshop for health professionals, families and care givers.

Dr. Jose Pereira, a palliative care specialist from the University of Calgary, said the attendance was a reflection that attitudes are changing.

"Palliative care is often seen as less of a priority. It's an absolute essential part of our life.

"We all die. It's something we can't ignore," he said.

Gaye Hanson, a health-care consultant from Whitehorse, said priorities are shifting to boost research in the areas of palliative care.

The emphasis is shifting to find new and innovative ways to address symptom management, pain control and allow people to die in comfort. She attributes that shift to the fact the population is aging.

Unfortunately, she added, the health-care system has not been doing its best to address the need.

Often that means you have a generalist trying to provide specialty services, and caregivers and families are left with very little support.

Hanson said another challenge is palliative care is very case-specific and many factors, such as community and culture, come into play.

The hope is such conferences will address a plan to develop and provide much-needed resources.

"The dying process touches not only the person but the family. It's an event that touches community," said Pereira.